How to fit Two Weeks in One Backpack

Aug 7

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Let’s just start by saying, I HATE UNPACKING! Mostly because I have the habit of packing everything that lives in my closet. Every time, I would unpack I’d find myself saying “Aww, I didn’t get to wear this!” Well of course I didn't! I packed as if I were to wear 50 different outfits in the span of a week or two. This habit of mine made everything take twice as long. Longer to pack, and waiting for luggage after a long flight was the last thing I wanted to do.

All of that changed after I decided to embark on a 2 week trip across Europe. I didn’t really want to be hauling a huge suitcase, as I moved from country to country, so I decided a backpack would suffice.

Packing for my two week Euro trip was not easy. I had no idea where to start. And the fear of leaving something behind that I would need during the trip made packing overwhelming. Even if I forgot something, chances are that I'd be able to find that item elsewhere. Really, the only thing I absolutely need is my passport. Everything else, is most likely replaceable.

Let's get started!

I hope this post will give you some good insight on how to pack strategically and carry less during your travels.

Step One

Pack smart! Get packing cubes. I got mine on Amazon. This will make it easier to pack, and maybe it will encourage you to not leave packing until the last minute. Because it will be SO EASY! I usually carry 3 packing cubes with me.

First Packing Cube: Underwear, socks, bathing suit and pjs.
Second Packing Cube: Tops, rompers and dresses.
Third Packing Cube: Jeans, leggings, shorts, skirts, and outerwear.

Step two

Choosing what to bring!

Tops: I like to bring a max of 5 different tops. Preferably a mix that ranges from tank tops to long sleeves, and casual to dressy.

Here I am wearing the exact same shirt, same shoes, just different bottoms.

Bottoms: I always bring 2 pairs of jeans, regular denim and black jeans. A pair of leggings is a must, as you can wash those and they dry fairly quickly. Depending on the weather, a pair of shorts and a skirt are good too!

Outerwear: Bring a light jacket, preferably something that is water resistant. I have a really cute one from Zara, I bought a while back, and I take it everywhere.

Rompers and dresses are definitely a win, so make sure you pack at least one.

Shoes: I know a lot of people are not fan of these but I like to bring my Birkenstocks everywhere. They are extremely comfortable, specially if you need to do lots of walking. Aside from that a pair of tennis shoes.

Toiletries: Now this can be tricky, which is why I have broken everything down for you. Remember when you are packing liquids in you carry-on, each liquid you decide to bring needs to be no more than 100ml. And you are ONLY allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids.

Here are some items, according to the regulations, you can mix however it suits you.

Microfiber towels are good if you are staying at a hostel. They dry super fast.

Make Up bag and brush.

Documents:

Passport and passport copies. Keep one with you, and one in your luggage.
Bring cash and a credit card, try not use your debit card, unless it’s an emergency. I always bring a money belt with me, better safe than sorry. *Contact your banks before traveling abroad.
Printed itinerary; this will help in case you lose cell service. And believe that has saved em so many times.
Notepad and pen; in this notepad, list out all your emergency contacts.

Electronics: I bring as little as possible. I do not like carrying a lot of items around, so phone (don’t forget to contact your cell phone carrier before traveling abroad), headphones, charger, extra battery will be enough.

Other times:

Neck Pillow
Eye Mask for the plane. I found these AMAZING ones in a trip to Japan.
Sunglasses
Small bag
Lock

Step Three

Fitting ALL of the above in a backpack!

I like to start by putting my shoes at the very bottom of the bag, so they don’t take more space than needed. After that I start by laying the largest packing cube. Followed by the second largest and then smallest. The final thing I pack are my toiletries, as these will be only items you need to take out while going thru security.

And now you are done!

Hope this was helpful! Please feel free to reach out if you have questions!